EU agencies issue joint declaration on sexual harassment

On International Women's Day (8 March), the European Union agencies, including Cedefop, stand together against sexual harassment in the workplace.

Read the full statement issued by the heads of the agencies, including Cedefop Director James Calleja:

'Together, we the heads of EU agencies and Joint undertakings commit to zero tolerance towards sexual harassment and we cannot and will not accept harassment of any form in our agencies. We take it upon ourselves to communicate to our staff that harassment in the workplace is never acceptable. We have committed ourselves in accordance with existing laws and particularly the staff regulation, to promote diversity at work and provide our staff with a trusted place in which to work.

Equality is one of the fundamental values on which the European Union is built. Gender-based violence, including sexual harassment, is one of the most extreme manifestations of inequality and discrimination.

Sexual violence and harassment contradict the principle of gender equality and equal treatment. They constitute gender-based discrimination in employment. Cases of sexual harassment and bullying, while significantly underreported, are a matter of health, safety and well-being in the workplace and need to be responded to effectively and in accordance with existing laws.'

The European Union has established decentralised agencies to carry out specific legal, operational, technical or scientific tasks within the EU. These agencies are autonomous EU bodies and add value by helping to implement policies, enhance dialogue and share information and expertise on a range of topics. EU agencies also provide practical support to Member States and the EU institutions.